The first Ubuntu smartphone is finally going to be finally.
The BQ Aquaris E4.5 Ubuntu edition is set to go on sale next week. However, it will only be available via “flash sales” with limited availability. It’s going to cost consumers around $190 per device. It will be sold initially in Europe only.
In terms of specifications the Aquaris E4.5 Ubuntu edition comes equipped with a 1.3GHz quad-core MediaTek chip, 8GB of storage (with MicroSD expansion), 1GB of RAM, a 5-megapixel camera, and a 4.5-inch display with 540-by-960 resolution.
“Ubuntu says the interface removes the emphasis on apps—probably because it has very few apps—and instead offers themed panels called “Scopes.” Users can swipe between Scopes for news, music, videos, contacts, and nearby points of interest, in theory saving you from having to dive into traditional apps. (Now’s the time where Android users can point out the numerous custom home screens that serve similar purposes.)”
Canonical, the UK based company behind the whole endeavor, says that the phone will come with an extensive range of apps, such as Facebook, Twitter, Dropbox, Evernote, and Amazon. Apps will eithr be based on HTML5 or native Ubtuntu apps.
It’s not going to be easy to win people over given that it is competing with other low-end phones such as the Moto G and Lumia devices. However, it is still a huge milestone in its own right.